The cover photos says it all and it makes me sick to look at. But here we are folks, .500 on the year with two to play. We enter rivalry week with more white noise, mixed messages, and concerns than ever before. After a night where just about everything went wrong against Cal, let’s break down those three areas and discuss what to make of it all.
USC alumni, former players, fans, and donors alike have sounded off this week across social media. A few examples of this white noise from notable accounts.
Sports Radio Host, Colin Cowherd
Former Player, Bubba Bolden
Former Player and current NFL player, Su’a Cravens
Scott Wolf, LA Daily News /OC Register. Note* I am not a subscriber so I could not access entire article.
26 year game attendee streak, USC Psycho
I could go on with many more, but you get the point. USC fans of all kinds are upset and making their voices heard. This white noise is warranted, and disappointing all at once because in the media driven world we live in, our student-athletes have to see it all. They may say that they aren’t affected, but 18-22 year olds are impacted to some degree by such negative buzz.
Conflicting messages also surround the program right now. After a staff shake up a couple weeks ago, it seemed like more changes were ahead for after the season, but this week Helton made some strong remarks about his level of support from the AD and his future at USC.
Keely Eure, USCFootball.com
^ Cal postgame quote ^
Ryan Abraham / Shotgun Spratling, USCFootball.com
Again, we could continue on with more of these examples. The takeaway here is that Swann and Helton are either putting up a united front to the media in order to avoid a deeper rift in the team, or we are in for a very long ride. I wrote a few weeks back that we can’t always take these interview answers literally, which I still believe. What is Helton to do, come right out and say it’s all gone pear shaped and there is no hope for his future here? He would be resigning in essence.
The last area to cover here are the concerns at large. I was fortunate enough to attend the Cal game along with a couple others this year and something just feels different. The magic and energy of the experience has evaporated. Reported attendance, which is often overestimated, is on the decline:
- USC v. UNLV – 58,700
- USC v. WSU – 52,400
- USC v. CU – 57,600
- USC v. ASU – 47,400
- USC v. Cal – 56,700
It struck a chord deep within me when, with about 5 minutes left to play in a one point contest, I saw fans headed up the aisles. It felt as if our fan base was saying, we’ve seen enough and it’s time for a change.
Another issue that continues to rear it’s ugly head is our players discipline. We kill ourselves with emotional penalties and we continue to face off the field issues. Notably, Levi Jones has been dismissed from the roster, which is a real shame because he played well in the action he saw and has a bright future. Mistakes happen and I completely understand that the sport itself demands passion and energy but when these things become a recurring problem, a solution must be searched for. It’s not all on Clay here with the off field problems, as the athlete needs to take responsibility for their actions. I just think if they had some better guidance, and a certain fear and respect for their coaches, those decisions would be more aligned with the programs goals.
I credit JT Daniels for facing the media right after the loss and taking some really tough questions. Listen carefully to his answers and his tone. You can sense frustration with each of his responses. It’s not easy for an 18 year old to control their temper after a bitter loss but he handled himself very well.
Source: USCFootball.com
So again, we find ourselves wondering where do we go from here? How do we move forward and quiet the noise? How do we unify the message and calm the concerns? We tape up Tommy Trojan and go straight into The Rose Bowl stadium and do what we do best. We beat the Bruins. We do it by getting our act together, by remembering what this program stands for, and remembering just how privileged we are to be USC fans. We do it by showing full support for our student-athletes who have given thousands of hours over many years. We support if nothing else the logo they play for, knowing that our logo and ever classic uniform will withstand the test of time no matter who wears it on their helmet or headset. We do everything we possibly can to remain superior to the Bruins and ensure the Victory Bell stays home on Saturday night. We Fight On.
BEAT THE BRUINS
The Late Game 
Great post Jeff. Love your references to the cross section of media. Of note, early in the JT presser he references team infighting on the sidelines then later seems to deny knowledge of it. Just another sign that perhaps the objectivity of our current situation has been lost by those closest to the action. Anyone like Jack Sears RPO for a few series on Saturday? Beat the Bruins & Fight On!
LikeLike